By:
Submission
This trail was once a part of the Historic Barlow Road, one of the last legs of the Historic Oregon Trail. Where the trail meets the Still Creek Campground, there is the site of a former historic resort called Swim, which was most active during the 1920’s. Various foundations from the facility, including an old pool, can still be found.
The Barlow Trail connects Still Creek Campground with Government Camp, OR. Due to its historic value as part of the Barlow Road, it is a bit more primitive than most trails in the area to preserve its historic characteristics. Its rocky terrain and ditch like appearance is representative of how it likely looked when wagons and stock were on it in the 1850’s.
NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PASSENGER VEHICLES. Lets be real, this is a sand parking lot they charge you $5 to get your car stuck in.
Seems to be about 12-16, unmarked sites. The lower 6 are into the sand and if you’re not equipped you could get stuck. Remaining sites have solid access but did notice some sharp rock on the unimproved driveway. Street tires could get cut.
No services here other than outhouses and garbage bins.
Park host site on site, but no host when we stayed.
Sites tend to slope down to the dunes on an average 10% grade.
Much quieter than the other camps in the area we found.
Haven't camp here since I was a teenager, but from what I understand the ATV noise is way better than it was then actually. As to getting stuck, it's called a Back Pack people! Lol. I know not everyone can hike into a campsite and rough it, but for those who can, you don't have to worry about getting stuck!
